Most Individuals who take note of the USA Armed Forces has heard of West Level. The four-year academic establishment was based in 1802 and is the place many future members of the Armed Forces go to start their journeys in service. West Level’s mission is “to teach, practice, and encourage the Corps of Cadets so that every graduate is a commissioned chief of character dedicated to the values of Responsibility, Honor, Nation and ready for a profession {of professional} excellence and repair to the nation as an officer within the U. S. Military.”

One of many people who performs an essential function in that mission is Dr. Col. Nicholas Gist, who works because the Head of the Bodily Training Division at West Level. One title he holds with honor is “Grasp of the Sword.” He could not have predicted what he was going to be doing sooner or later when he was rising up in Alpine, CA, however he does credit score how he was raised as an enormous purpose why he’s the place he’s right now.

“I feel plenty of the journey I’ve been on, if not all of it, was a product of how I grew up,” Gist stated. “From my earliest recollections, my dad and mom had been all the time people who loved being open air.”

His father was a farrier, and he served in the USA Navy for seven years, however Gist didn’t see a lot of that a part of his father’s life. His mom got here from a farming household as properly. Mix these two backgrounds, and you’ve got a toddler that was accustomed to being outdoors early and infrequently.

“I grew up taking part in outdoors and I imply that within the best sense of ‘go outdoors, discover your atmosphere, play video games, throw rocks, sword battle with sticks, and that undoubtedly concerned into taking part in sports activities.’”

Gist performed baseball, soccer, and acquired into beginner wrestling as his sports activities of selection. These would change into the first focus of his childhood. His youthful brother, Eric, grew up the identical manner. He credited coaches resembling Bruce Wiseman had been the fathers of different youngsters on his groups, and he thought of them prolonged household.

“Within the Military, we name them our tribes. These had been our tribes.”

Quick ahead to highschool commencement and Gist discovered himself at West Level as a cadet himself. As quickly as he stepped foot on campus, he might inform that extra can be anticipated of him, however he felt assured that he might stay as much as the lofty requirements.

“West Level had very excessive expectations when it comes to growing leaders of character,” he defined. He additionally noticed that changing into that chief was as a lot a bodily requirement as it’s a psychological one.

“You notice very early on the significance of being bodily match, the physicality of the occupation you’re in as a future soldier.”

One take a look at Gist’s accomplishments within the Military, and you’ll inform he developed into such a pacesetter. After graduating in 1994, he traveled the world to guide and serve amongst fellow members of the army in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was concerned with missions resembling Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Daybreak, and Enduring Freedom. He accomplished his most up-to-date mission in Could 2017.

Among the many honors he obtained in his profession are the Bronze Star Medal, Protection Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Military Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Military Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), NATO Medal (ISAF clasp) and the Military Aviation Affiliation of America Order of Saint Michael (Bronze).

On April 17, 2015, Gist assumed the place he holds now, and he’s performed an essential function in growing the cadets he labored with into the troopers and leaders that our nation wants. West Level’s general aim is to teach their college students by way of the three pillars – Educational, Army, and Bodily. The truth that he has change into a purpose why the people who stroll the halls of West Level really feel the way in which that he did when he was a scholar isn’t misplaced on him.

“It’s an amazing privilege to serve right here. We’ve got a tremendously essential mission, and its significance can’t ever be overstated.”

Gist described the Division of Bodily Training at West Level as a various and efficient mixture of army expertise and civilian disciplinary experience. The crew is made up of army members, non-military school, and help employees. As with all sports activities crew or main enterprise, all of the elements should complement one another and work collectively to finish the target.

“All of those folks come from quite a lot of backgrounds of schooling, kinesiology, and naturally their army expertise,” he shared. “We’re dedicated to the mission, and finally, we’re very profitable in growing leaders of character.”

As is the case with different United States Army Academy establishments, you need to be comfy getting uncomfortable in case you’re going to succeed at a spot like West Level. Gist shared that they very deliberately take them outdoors their consolation zone early and infrequently, however Gist explains that it’s essential to realize greatness, whether or not it’s within the army or with health.

“That’s the place adaptation happens. Identical to if had been to have a look at skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle adapts once we apply progressive overload,” he defined. “If we’re keen to problem ourselves and others, adaptation happens, and other people develop.”

Gist hasn’t simply seen this course of play out in his 29-year profession. He witnessed it as a mum or dad. His daughter, Maddie, is about to finish flight college as an Apache pilot at West Level. His son, Graham, is a junior at West Level as properly. He prompt that many different younger folks will make the selection to affix the army and obtain excessive ranges of success for his or her nation and themselves.

Gist stated, “I might advocate as I’ve with my very own youngsters to serve as a result of I feel it’s essential to the present and future state of our nation. It truly is about citizenship.” He additionally hopes that individuals who stay civilians can discover methods to help people who do put on the uniform.

“Whether or not anybody serves or not, help to our servicemen and ladies is extremely essential.”

For extra details about West Level, go to westpoint.edu. You’ll be able to observe the USA Army Academy on Instagram @westpoint_usma and the USMA Division of Bodily Training @westpoint_dpe.